Artwork Page for Corinthian Helmet

Details / Information for Corinthian Helmet

Corinthian Helmet

c. 625–550 BCE

Greek

Medium
Bronze
Measurements
Overall: 23.5 x 19.5 x 27 cm (9 1/4 x 7 11/16 x 10 5/8 in.)
Credit Line
Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 2024.63
Public Domain
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Location
102B Greek
Print
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Did You Know?

A small hole above the rear neckline, now repaired, may reflect a fatal blow.

Description

This remarkably well-preserved bronze helmet belongs to an iconic type known as Corinthian yet produced far beyond the city of Corinth. Designed for use by hoplite warriors, who fought with spears and shields in shoulder-to-shoulder (phalanx) formation, such helmets provide maximum protection but limited vision, hearing, and movement. Probably first cast and then hammered into its final shape, the helmet features both gentle curves and sharp angles, evoking the head and face that it protected. Similar helmets appear frequently on warriors shown in ancient art, though often with crests of horsehair or other organic materials that no longer survive.
A bronze Corinthian helmet is designed to cover the head with a rounded crown and large, almond-shaped eyeholes separated by a vertical nose guard narrowing to a rounded tip. Below, two curved cheek plates taper towards the bottom. The metal is covered in a mottled green, brown, and blue patina with significant pitting and oxidation. Through the openings, the dark, hollow interior is visible.

Corinthian Helmet

c. 625–550 BCE

Greek

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